Kola Nut (10% Caffeine)

History and Uses:
Kola Nut is native to Africa, and is cultivated extensively in the tropics, particularly in Nigeria, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and South America. There are 125 species of this plant (all of which are indigenous to tropical West Africa), where the seeds are chewed to curb hunger, allay thirst and enable people to work hard in hot conditions. Kola Nut seeds are considered a symbol of hospitality and used in many social ceremonies, such as marriages, births and funerals. The seeds are also used to make a reddish dye. They are often prayed over before being shared, and although Kola is called a "nut," the part of this plant consumed is really the inner part of the fleshy seeds. Their consumption is not considered habit forming. Historical uses of Kola Nut include increasing the capacity for physical exertion, enduring fatigue without food, stimulating a weak heart and treating nervous debility, weakness, lack of emotion, nervous diarrhea, depression, despondency, brooding, anxiety and sea sickness. Kola Nut was said to make ideas become clearer, and thoughts flow more easily and clearly. However, too much stimulative effect is said to cause thoughts to "scatter." Kola has a marked stimulating effect on the human consciousness, and in the short term, it may be used in nervous debility and in states of weakness. Additionally, it can act as a specific for nervous diarrhea. It is also believed to help improve symptoms of temporary depression and may, in some people, give rise to euphoric states. Because of its caffeine content, Kola Nut may relieve some migraine headaches. Primary chemical constituents are known to include caffeine, theobromine, tannins and phenolics, including d-catechin, l-epicatechin, kolatin, and kolanin. Kola also contains phlobaphens, the anthocyanin pigment "kola red", betaine, protein and starch.

The phenolics and anthocyanin are likely to provide antioxidant activity. The common name, Cola Nut, includes the species Cola nitada and Cola acuminata.